A significant number of Germans express approval for the UK re-entering the European Union
In a significant shift of public opinion, a growing number of Britons and Europeans are expressing support for the United Kingdom's re-entry into the European Union (EU), according to recent polls. However, this support is conditional and divided, reflecting a complex and somewhat divided landscape.
In the UK, a majority of 55% now supports re-joining the EU, indicating a widespread sense of "Bregret" about Brexit. This sentiment is echoed in a new YouGov poll, which suggests most citizens across Germany, France, Italy, and Spain would welcome the United Kingdom back into the EU.
However, the support for re-entry is not unconditional. In these major EU countries, a clear majority insists the UK must participate fully in all major EU policy areas if it wishes to re-join. This contrasts with the somewhat lower willingness among Britons to give up their previous partial exemptions, such as keeping the pound and remaining outside the Schengen area.
In Spain, only 21% of respondents favour the UK re-joining with its previous opt-outs intact. The figures are similar in Italy (19%) and France (19%), while Germany shows a slightly higher level of support at 22%. Among the four largest EU nations, Germany stands out as showing the highest levels of support for welcoming the UK back into the EU, with 63% of Germans in favour.
Denmark, however, stands out as an exception. With 43% supporting the UK re-joining while keeping its previous opt-outs, Denmark's position is more favourable. This may be influenced by Denmark itself holding similar opt-outs and possibly seeing benefits in the UK’s reintegration under similar conditions.
The polling data indicates a broadly favourable climate across Western Europe for the proposition, representing a marked improvement on previous polls. However, this creates a "public opinion impasse": both sides want a deal, but only on terms the other is unlikely to accept.
Despite the shift in sentiment, there is "precious little likelihood" of the UK attempting to re-join, especially as the Labour government is currently focused on resetting relations rather than on exploring the possibility of full reintegration. This impasse underscores the complexity of the issue and the challenges that lie ahead in bridging the divide between the UK and its European neighbours.
The ongoing shift in public opinion towards the United Kingdom's re-entry into the European Union, as indicated by recent polls, reveals a 55% majority in the UK favoring the move, echoed by a clear majority in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. However, this support is conditional, with a majority in these countries insisting the UK must participate fully in all major EU policy areas for re-entry, contrasting with the British willingness to maintain previous partial exemptions.
